13th-century monastery in Antwerp transforms into boutique hotel
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a transformed 13th-century monastery, has completed its sensitive eight-year restoration.
Located in the city’s botanic gardens, the 108-key property was the vision of Eric De Vocht and his wife Maryse Odeurs, who worked together with lead architectural studio AIDarchitecten to respect the property’s former life as a monastery, combining new with old – from centuries-old wooden beams and original brickwork to modern art and contemporary glass conservatories.
Where possible, the original function of rooms have been preserved – the two monastery kitchens now serve as elegantly tiled dining rooms, and the monastery’s 19th-century pharmacy has been brought back into use as a modern-day apothecary. Each room and suite has been individually designed and filled with warm colours, carefully curated antiques, natural textures and artwork by celebrated local artists.
Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp is the site of a four-Michelin-star-strong armada of restaurants. Hertog Jan, the two Michelin star restaurant with Head Chef Gert De Mangeleer and Sommelier Joachim Boudens at its helm, immerses guests in an omakase experience amidst muted interiors designed by Benoit Viaene. Fine Fleur and Het Gebaar meanwhile offer dishes ranging from traditional afternoon pancakes to exotic twists on casual fine dining. The vibrant Henry’s Bar is a haven for Antwerp’s cosmopolitan crowd, whilst invitation-only whisky investment club, The Unprecedented, is hidden in the Botanic Sanctuary’s ancient vaulted cellar, where guests can sample rare single Malt Scotch whiskies.
Elsewhere, a 1,000m² spa provides three floors of wellness experiences, with ten treatment rooms. Comprehensive wellness programmes will be on offer, in addition to a panoramic Finnish Sauna with herbal infusions, a steam bath and an 18m pool set within a glass conservatory.
